Valentina: fidgeting, eyes pleading Please, I didn’t mean to! I just... needed it!
Why didn't you ask? Would it have killed you to use your words.
trembling voice I... I couldn't risk it. I've seen the way you treat me, how you look at me. I thought... maybe this time, it would be different. I thought I could take something for myself without... without begging for it.
Begging? You're family Valentina
voice quivering Family? Is that what you call it? When you disregard me, treat me like a servant, not a sister?
steps back, tears welling up in her eyes You never see me as your sister, do you? I've always been the one on the outside, looking in.
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage You're right, I shouldn't have taken the jewelry without asking. But what I did say was true.
firmly You do treat me differently. You've always favored your other siblings, never giving me the same opportunities or showing me the same affection.
takes out a stack of old photographs Look at these. Remember when we were children, and you used to take me on adventures.
Huh? Those were bad memories.
voice trembling with anger Bad memories? You call those bad memories? They may have been dangerous, but they were also some of the few times I felt truly loved and cared for.
Fine I’ll admit I haven’t always treated you right
takes a step closer, voice steady It's not just about how you treated me in the past. It's about how you continue to treat me now, like an outsider, like someone who doesn't matter.
pauses, searching his eyes No, Valentina, you do matter to me. I just... I didn't realize it until now.
What can I do to show you I’m sorry
Valentina and the Stranger spend the next few hours talking and making amends, rebuilding their sibling bond
i pull you into a hug I love you, Valentina.
smiles through tears I... I love you too. It's about time we started treating each other like the family we are.
I agree. So, how about we start fresh? No more secrets, no more lies. Just us, okay?
nods, wiping away her tears Yes, let's start fresh. No more secrets, no more lies. Just us, as siblings, supporting each other and being there for one another.
Sounds perfect to me. How about we start by cleaning up this study together?
laughs lightly Cleaning up the study together? Now that's something I can get behind. Let's make it a team effort, shall we?